MTSU Jazz Ensembles Perform With Duffy Jackson

By Mika Sanders

            MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee State University performing arts students played two jazz ensembles with a special guest at 7:30 p.m. April 15 in the Hinton Music Hall at the Wright Music Building.

             Dynamic jazz drummer Duffy Jackson appeared as a guest performer to play alongside the university jazz students during both ensembles for the night. With his smooth style of playing, he complimented the rhythm of the other performers and their instruments. Not only does he have musical talent, but a sense of humor as well. Jackson offered his insight on the world of playing music and some very funny jokes. He looked to the crowd and thanked them for “exuding impeccable taste for music.”

            “It’s been a wonderful opportunity to come to MTSU to discuss jazz and music,” said Jackson.

 Ensemble I was directed by Assistant Professor Jamey Simmons in the School of Music, who is also in charge of the program. Ensemble I was comprised of the top, most experienced student players. Ensemble II was directed by his colleague, the Associate Professor of Saxophone Don Aliquo. These ensembles tour and perform throughout the region for yearly performances.

            The concert was a big success that went over well with the audience and was awarded with a standing ovation. The cost of the admission was $15 for the general public, and tickets could have been purchased at the door. Admission was free for students, faculty and staff members with valid IDs. Some of the music pieces that were played in the recital were original works that were created by the students who were also performing in the show, like “Horn Flakes” by MTSU student Jesus Santandreau. The concert also included classic pieces of music, such as Benny Goodman and Charlie Christian’s “Seven Come Eleven” and Sammy Nestico’s “How Sweet It Is”.

          In Jazz Ensemble I featured Jovan Quallo, Randy York, Jesus Santandreau, David Williford, and Triston Gordan on saxophone. Matt France, Kyle Smiley, Nick Haynes, and Katie Kelly played trumpet. Tanner Antonetti, Andrew Janes, Aaron King, and Philip Jones played trombone. Lastly, Hana Fujisaki, Joel Gage, Patterson Ford, and Tisha Simeral were in the rhythm section. Jazz Ensemble II presented Rick Mraz, Marimac Dyer, James Finger, Ashlin Harris and Nelson Moore on saxophone. Nick Haynes, Kevin Howard, Heath Lester, and Danny Ford played trumpet. Grant Haag, Elizaberth Enck, Cody Mayberry, and Chad Ator played trombone. Lastly, William Elmore, Jed Smith, and Nathan Deese played in the rhythm section.

          Simmons said there will be another performance coming up very soon. The MTSU Jazz Ensemble I will get to play at the Main Street Jazz Festival at 1 p.m. May 4. Students perform at this event annually with internationally acclaimed jazz artist. Past guests have included Phil Woods, Rufus Reid, and Bobby Shew.

           “And for that, we’re gonna play all students arranged and written by students and faculty, so It will be a special program,” Simmons said. It’s important for students to come out to the event in order to support MTSU’s rising stars in such an amazing opportunity.

         For information about MTSU’s jazz ensembles, please visit http://www.mtsu.edu/music/jazzpage.php. For more information on this and about other MTSU School of Music events, call (615) 898-2493 or visit www.mtsumusic.com and click on the "Concert Calendar" link.

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